Urban Escape and Evasion Hides

Urban Escape and Evasion Hides

Written by AdministratorSaturday, 20 February 2010 16:45 - Last Updated Saturday, 20 February 2010 16:55


When entering a new city or just starting out one must search for and document escape andevasion locations or hides. This is especially true if one lives in the city or has an extendedoperation in such city.

Possible locations

Possible locations that are well suited for hides are Parking Garages both above andbelowground. Unoccupied or abandoned factories and buildings also make good hides withproper planning. Also consider areas of occupied buildings that are no longer used such asutility access rooms, HVAC buildings and basements/storage rooms. The parking garagelocations may be better suited for night hides as most are closed after normal business hours.One can map out the security camera system during normal business hours to show blindzones where one can enter. Once inside parking garages offer numerous hide zones includingthe stairwells, fire sprinkler utility rooms and level breaks that usually have dead zones. Theseparking garages may not be suited for a long term hide but offer excellent concealment for anight or two and are immediately accessible in the inner city.

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Abandoned buildings are best suited for both day and night access. They also offerexcellent concealment for a long-term hide if the necessary planning is conducted beforechoosing the location. Most abandoned building are located at the edge of town or in a heavilyindustrial/commercial zoned part of town. They are also located in the “bad” parts of town. Theabandoned building located in the Ghetto should be avoided at all costs do to the heavy policeactivity and heavy drug/illegal activities during all hours of the day and night. Such activity couldeasily identify a hide and compromise the location. Thus leaving the commercial/industrial areaof the city best suited for locating abandoned buildings for long-term hides. Most industrial/commercial sectors shut down at around 5:00pm. They are virtual ghosts towns after this timeand during holidays and weekends.

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Abandoned buildings offer the freedom of entering them at will and setting up a hide thatbest suits your needs. A small room or area of the building can be isolated. Supplies such asfood and water caches can be stored. Comfort items such as inflatable mattresses or bedrollscan be hidden for later use. Avenues of approach and escape and be cleared or concealed forlater use. Pre deployment intelligence of the building can be gathered before choosing which oneto use. The local courthouse can identify owners, liens and foreclosure information. The localurban planning and development department can identify future land use plans or demolitionpermits. Building permits can also be found to identify future use plans or renovations. Suchintelligence can be used to pick the right abandoned building for use as an urban escape andevasion hide. Getting to the location How easily accessible is the location? What routes will be taken to get to the hide? Who willspot you entering or exiting? Can it be accessed during the day or should it only be accessedduring the night. Also look out for security cameras. Security cameras from neighboringbuildings and business could be used to spot your hide or at least film you entering or exiting. Escape routes from the location All escape and evasion locations must have at least 3 avenues of escape. Whether it is by foot,vehicle or water there must be a way out. Careful consideration must be taken in both planningthe location of the hide and planning the escape from the hide if one is discovered.

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Make a plan Once the proper locations are identified they must be recorded on a map or notebook/PDA ifone cannot remember all the details of the escape and evasion plan. Writing plans out helpsbuild memory and uncover unforeseen issues. Precautions must be taken so these plans arenot discovered. These precautions can include password protection and encryption, or justhiding the written plans where no one searching can discover them. The plans should includelocation of each hide, how it is accessed, what area precautions must be taken (camerasnearby, dogs down the street, etc) and a detailed description of each of the three escape routesfrom the hide. The hides may also be daisy chained with proper planning. An example of this isLocation #1 using escape routes A, B, C leads to Location #2. If location #2 is compromisedused escape routes A, B, or C to get to Location #3. Stick to the plan.

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Documents

Urban Escape and Evasion Hides